India has approved a landmark defence acquisition, clearing the way to procure 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets from France. According to news reports, the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave its nod to the estimated ₹63,000 crore deal, making it one of India’s largest fighter jet procurements to date.
The agreement is expected to be signed officially later this month during the anticipated visit of French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu.
The approved deal involves the acquisition of 22 single-seater and four twin-seater Rafale-M jets. These 4.5-generation fighters are tailor-made for naval operations and will be deployed to bolster India’s maritime defence capabilities.
The entire fleet is scheduled for delivery within 37 to 65 months from the date of contract signing, with full induction into the Indian Navy expected by 2030–31.
The new Rafale-M jets are slated for deployment on INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier. This move marks a significant upgrade in India’s naval aviation capability, ensuring enhanced aerial defence and strike power in the Indian Ocean Region.
As per news reports, the package goes beyond the jets themselves. It includes fleet maintenance support, logistics solutions, and training for Indian Navy personnel. Importantly, the deal comes with offset obligations aimed at boosting indigenous manufacturing and technology transfer in the defence sector.
The contract reportedly includes provisions for equipment, spares, and upgrades for the 36 Rafale jets currently operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF). These jets are based at Ambala and Hashimara airbases and have been a crucial part of India’s aerial defence since their induction following a ₹59,000 crore contract signed in 2016.
A noteworthy feature mentioned in the report is the planned enhancement of the IAF’s aerial refuelling capabilities. The deal will support upgrades to the “buddy buddy” refuelling system, enabling ten Rafale jets to refuel others mid-air—a vital force multiplier in extended air operations.
To accommodate the new fleet, the Indian Navy will also need to install specialised equipment on its aircraft carriers. These modifications are essential to support the advanced operational requirements of the Rafale-M jets.
Looking ahead, the Navy is also reportedly planning to induct indigenous fifth-generation fighter jets, currently being developed under the aegis of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). These future additions would complement the Rafale-M fleet and further strengthen India’s defence self-reliance.
The ₹63,000 crore Rafale Marine deal signifies a major step in India’s ongoing efforts to modernise its armed forces. With strategic implications for the Navy and additional support for the IAF, this procurement underscores the growing defence ties between India and France. As the country progresses towards greater self-reliance in defence, this deal stands out as both a tactical enhancement and a symbol of international cooperation.
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Published on: Apr 9, 2025, 2:59 PM IST
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